In the 13-year period of 2005 through 2017, canines killed 433 Americans. Pit bulls contributed to 66% (284) of these deaths. Combined, pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 76% of the total recorded deaths. | More »

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Recent Pit Bull Attack Turns Tide in IllinoisGranite City, IL - The Granite City Council is likely to amend a vicious animal control ordinance because of dog attacks that recently occurred in the area. At Tuesday's City Council meeting, Mayor Ed Hagnauer addressed the attacks, saying the ordinance would be better enforced if it were changed.

"If a dog, no matter its breed, attacks another dog or person, it would be declared a vicious animal, and that's for a first-time offense. There will be no second and third chances."

The council is considering amending the ordinance due to a Jan. 6 incident in which a pit bull attacked a terrier on a chain and then a miniature Doberman pinscher in the same area.

The pit bull was subdued by a bystander after the terrier's owner repeatedly hit the dog with a baseball bat as it attacked the pinscher. At a recent municipal court hearing, the pit bull was declared a vicious animal. But because the owner does not live in Granite City, the owner does not have to now follow strict guidelines that Granite requires.

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